Statistical Assistance for Independent Redistricting Commiss

The Michigan Department of State issued Request for Proposal 190000002942 on August 5, 2019, seeking statistical assistance services to support the state's first-ever Independent Redistricting Commission. The scope of work encompasses developing and validating statistical processes for three constitutional requirements: randomly selecting at least 10,000 Michigan registered voters to receive mailed applications by January 1, 2020; implementing accepted statistical weighting methods between June 1-30, 2020 to ensure the semi-finalist applicant pool reflects Michigan's geographic and demographic composition; and conducting a final random selection drawing of 13 commissioners. The contract term runs from August 1, 2019 through July 30, 2020, with an option for one additional one-year renewal at the State's discretion, with an anticipated commencement date of September 3, 2019. The selected contractor must develop detailed work plans and statistical process maps, present methodologies for public review, defend methods if challenged, and maintain a nonpartisan reputation and integrity throughout the engagement. Key milestones include a pre-proposal bidder teleconference on August 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. EST, a question submission deadline of August 15, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. EST with anticipated Q&A posting on August 19, 2019, and a proposal submission deadline of August 22, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. EST via the Michigan SIGMA VSS system. Technical evaluation criteria are weighted at 100 points, comprising Product Quality (50%), Service Capabilities (25%), and Vendor Questions Worksheet (25%), with only proposals scoring 80 or more points having pricing evaluated; pricing must be firm for the entire contract term. The contractor will work with de-identified applicant data and interface primarily with Michigan Department of State Executive Staff, including Sally Marsh and Mike Brady, with final methodology decisions made by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting respondent types to disadvantaged enterprises or other specialized categories. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. The State anticipates 2-3 in-person meetings with the contractor and remote work arrangements are available. The contractor should utilize U.S. Census Bureau and American Community Survey data to define the state's geographic and demographic makeup, with demographic characteristics expected to include race/ethnicity, sex, and age. The contract budget is designated as flexible and not subject to a specific line item, with the Michigan Department of State committing to work with the selected contractor on cost based on hours and expertise required, as this project is designated a top priority for the Department. The selected vendor must maintain professional liability insurance of at least $3,000,000 and comply with all State IT security policies and data protection requirements, with key personnel assignments requiring State approval and unauthorized removal subject to liquidated damages up to $5,000 per individual.